Yes — digital dental X-rays are very safe. They emit a fraction of the radiation of traditional film X-rays and an even smaller fraction of what you are exposed to in daily life. A full set of dental X-rays exposes you to less radiation than a cross-country flight or a day of natural background radiation. Digital X-rays are considered safe for adults, children, and most pregnant patients when clinically necessary.
What You'll Learn
How Much Radiation Do Dental X-Rays Emit?
Radiation is measured in microsieverts (μSv). To put dental X-ray radiation in perspective: a single bitewing X-ray exposes you to about 5 μSv. A full set of 18 bitewing and periapical X-rays is approximately 35–170 μSv depending on the equipment. A cross-country flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles exposes you to about 40 μSv. The average American receives about 3,100 μSv per year from natural background radiation alone.
Digital X-rays use 50–80% less radiation than traditional film X-rays. At Merchants Walk Dental, we use digital X-ray technology, which means the exposure is already at the lowest practical level.
Digital X-Rays vs. Traditional Film X-Rays
Traditional film X-rays required higher radiation doses to expose the film and produce a usable image. Digital sensors are far more sensitive, requiring much less radiation to capture the same diagnostic information.
Beyond radiation reduction, digital X-rays offer several other advantages: images are available instantly on screen (no developing time), they can be enlarged and enhanced for better diagnosis, they are stored electronically (no physical film to lose), and they can be easily shared with specialists if needed.
Are X-Rays Safe During Pregnancy?
This is one of the most common questions we hear. The short answer is: dental X-rays during pregnancy are generally considered safe when clinically necessary, and the risk of skipping needed dental care is often greater than the minimal radiation exposure.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Dental Association both state that dental X-rays can be taken during pregnancy with appropriate precautions — primarily using a lead apron and thyroid collar. We always use these protective measures at Merchants Walk Dental. If you are pregnant, let us know and we will discuss your specific situation.
Are X-Rays Safe for Children?
Children receive lower doses
Pediatric X-ray settings use lower radiation than adult settings. Digital X-rays reduce this further. The dose a child receives is very small.
X-rays are especially important for children
Children's teeth change rapidly. X-rays help monitor developing permanent teeth, detect cavities between baby teeth, and identify orthodontic issues early — when they are easiest to address.
Protective equipment is always used
We use a lead apron and thyroid collar for every patient, including children, for every X-ray. This shields the body from any scatter radiation.
Frequency is based on risk
Children at higher risk for cavities may need X-rays more frequently. Children with excellent oral hygiene and no history of decay may need them less often. Your dentist will recommend the appropriate schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
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